Conceptualized by

Conceptualized by: Mr. Vivek Trivedi

Founder, APSWDP & Alumni, UNITAR/CIFAL JEJU

Designed & Edited

by:

Mr. Hitesh Kumar Gulati

Director (Hon.) – Policy and Administration, APSWDP

Compiled by: Dr. Sumit Arora, Director (Hon.) – Capacity Building, Research & Projects, APSWDP

Ms. Ishita Wadhawan, Member APSWDP

Technical Support: Mr. Rajeev Kumar Choudhary, Mr. Navneet Trivedi, Mr. Karamveer Singh

Mr. Yogesh Sharma - Member, APSWDP

The comprehensive report on APSWDP Virtual Dialogue: UN75 2020 and Beyond Shaping Our Future

Together, Series I has been compiled by Association of Professional Social Workers and Development

Practitioners (APSWDP), Chandigarh [Association in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Affiliated with the United Nations Department of Global

Communications (DGC); and Affiliated with NITI Aayog (Former Planning Commission of India)].

Copyright © APSWDP, Chandigarh 2020

Images Source: All the images and clip art used in this Report are from Google Images

UN-75 Logo co-branding for Non-UN Entities as per the Visual Identity Guidelines

(Version 1.0/ March 2019)

Report Design Inspiration from UN75 Toolkit

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any means,

electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or inclusion in any information storage and

retrieval system, without the prior written permission of APSWDP, Chandigarh, India. Views presented in

the dialogue/ panel discussion are discrete intellectual property of the panelists/ presenters and usage of

the same without written consent is prohibited. APSWDP, Chandigarh, India does not hold any

responsibility whatsoever on the views presented during the conference or sessions during the whole

event.

APSWDP, Chandigarh, India encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission

promptly.

Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP)

Post Box No. 363, Post Office Sector 11-D, Chandigarh – 160011

Website: www.apswdp.org E-mail: [email protected]

UN marks 75-year milestone anniversary of founding Charter

UN Photo

The UN Charter being signed by a delegation at a ceremony held at the Veterans’ War Memorial

Building on 26 June 1945.

IN

SUPPORT

OF

It is a matter of great privilege that Association of Professional Social Workers and Development

Practitioners (APSWDP) has received Special Consultative Status and affiliation under Economic and Social

Council (ECOSOC) and Department of Global Communications (DGC) of the United Nations respectively in

2019 when the United Nations initiated the celebrations of completing 75 years of existence.

The Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) under the United Nations has been entrusted to celebrate 75th

Anniversary by organising various activities promoting the UN values worldwide. APSWDP has come

forward to corroborate with the United Nation’s global initiative of encouraging people, especially youth

and marginalized to put their heads together to define how enhanced international cooperation can help

realize a better world by 2045, the UN’s 100th birthday.

I wish the APSWDP Virtual Dialogue – “UN75 2020 and Beyond: Shaping Our Future Together”, Series I,

What Future We Want has taken the global conversation ahead in India by inviting Young Panelists across

the globe from India, Switzerland, Romania and Thailand, with audience from diverse background and age

groups.

I am sure that the APSWDP UN75 Dialogue, Series I and the upcoming dialogues series - I to VIII on

similar lines will contribute towards shaping a global strategy in redefining a comprehensive global plan of

the future we want.

I congratulate the entire organizing team, volunteers and experts to come forward in the times of COVID-

19 pandemic in joining the global conversation initiated by the United Nations.

V i v e k T r i v e d i

Founder & Convener

Association of Professional Social

Workers and Development

Practitioners (APSWDP)

MESSAGE

BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND

In pursuit of celebrating the 75th Anniversary by igniting people’s debate: UN75, the Secretary

General Antonio Guterres has launched a global dialogue, which is perhaps the largest and furthest

reaching global conversation ever on building the future we want.

Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP) is a professional

association which has been conferred Special Consultative Status under the United Nations Economic

and Social Council (ECOSOC) and has also been affiliated with the United Nations Department of

Global Communications (DGC). On this occasion, APSWDP conceived a dialogue in support of UN75 2020

and Beyond, Shaping Our Future Together by organizing a Virtual Dialogue Series-I What Future We

Want on 8th August 2020 (Saturday).

In a world of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA), we are passing through several

human crisis ranging from climate crisis, health issues, digital divide, gender inequality, population burst,

rising conflicts and violence, etc.; APSWDP has come forward to corroborate with the United Nation’s

global initiative of encouraging people, especially youth and marginalised to put their heads together to

define how enhanced international cooperation can help realize a better world by 2045, the UN’s 100th

birthday.

The aim of this virtual dialogue was to sensitize the communities from different walks of life. The view

and ideas presented in this virtual dialogue will be submitted to the offices of the United Nations

Economic and Social Council as well as to United Nations Department of Global Communications for

incorporating the ideas discussed into their next agenda.

KEY OBJECTIVES

The key objectives of the UN75 Virtual Dialogue is to develop a continuous support for leading a

discussion, identifying alternatives and implementing the solutions by involving unheard voices of youth

and marginalized communities for creating a sustainable, inclusive and peaceful world.

With this dialogue, APSWDP aims to ignite vibrancy in thoughts and creating synergy among youth across

tough geographical remote locations, languages, ethnicity, culture, economic background, etc.

BACKGROUND

APSWDP UN75 DIALOGUE

APSWDP in support of the UN75 objectives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) has identified a

wide range of Development Practitioners as Key Panellists to initiate discussions, gather diverse

perspectives and creative ideas on issues such as the climate crisis, inequality, new forms of conflict and

violence, and the rapid changes in demography and digital technologies. The sole objective is to address

the emerging risks and collectively navigate the gap, if these mega-trends continue.

The UN75 dialogue was inaugurated and chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Rajan M. Welukar, Former Vice

Chancellor, Mumbai University. We felt privileged to witness the deliberations from eminent young

panelists across various domains on following themes:

1. Investing in Health for an Equitable Future - Dr. Sandeep K. Meharwal

2. Envisioning Environment and Sustainable Development - Ms. Dea Andrea Wehrli

3. The Climate Crisis – A Race We Can Win - Mr. Bhavesh Swami

4. Women and Girls – Closing the Gender Gap - Ms. Anupriya Singh

5. The Impact of Digital Technologies - Mr. Ravi Solanki

6. Inequality – Bridging the Divide - Mx. Kajal Mangalmukhi

7. An Era of Conflict and Violence - Ms. Antonia Colibasanu

MODE OF COMMUNICATION

The mode of communication for UN75 Dialogue was English. However, the participants from regional

background were also encouraged to join the conversation in their respective vernacular. APSWDP does

not discriminate on the grounds of language. We believe in participation from across the lines. Our

Convener & volunteers felicitated the participants when they were not comfortable with the language.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Civil Society Representatives

• Youth Networks and Club Representatives

• Para Legal Volunteers and Practitioners

• Research Scholars

• Development Practitioners

• Representatives of Marginalized Communities

• Corporate

• Development Professionals

• Post Graduate University Students of Social Work

• Interns

BACKGROUND

OUTCOMES

The outcomes of the UN75 Dialogue enabled all the participants and panelists to document their ideas,

solutions for the growing crisis situation, way forward, etc., to be further shared with the United Nations

for framing a comprehensive global plan of the future we want. In addition, the following outcomes were

expected from the UN75 Dialogue:

1. Develop understanding of global development issues.

2. Confidence building among youth and marginalized community on identifying their issues and taking

them forward for getting their voices heard.

3. Exposure to understand various issues and solutions for building a future together.

4. Sensitization and adopting the practice of Think Global and Act Local.

STANDARD PROCESS TO PARTIC IPATE

IN THE DIALOGUE

OPENING

CEREMONY

AND

INAUGURAL

OPENING CEREMONY

AND INAUGURAL

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

Mr. Vivek Trivedi, Founder APSWDP and Program Convener shared about the conception of APSWDP

Virtual Dialogue on UN75 2020 and Beyond - Shaping Our Future Together by the way of organizing a

virtual dialogue on 8th August 2020. He mentioned the world is full of volatility, uncertainty, complexity

and ambiguity wherein humanity is passing through several human crisis ranging from climate to health

related issues, digital divide, gender inequality, population burst, rising conflicts and violence.

APSWDP as a Civil Society Organization has come forward to collaborate with the United Nations Global

Initiative of encouraging people especially the youth and marginalized to put their hands together to

define how enhanced international cooperation can help realize a better world by 2045. He stated that

the aim of this virtual dialogue is also to sensitize the communities from different walks of life. The views

and ideas presented in this virtual dialogue will be submitted to the offices of the United Nations,

especially ECOSOC and DGC for incorporating the ideas discussed into their next agenda which are to be

put up before the UN General Assembly in October 2020.

FORMAL WELCOME

Mr. Vivek Trivedi extended his sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest of the event Dr. Rajan M. Welukar for

giving his consent to preside over the function. He also formally welcomed the eminent panelists from

diverse domains (climate, public health, digital divide, gender inequality, population burst, rising

conflicts and violence) and participants across the globe - India, Thailand, Romania, Switzerland,

Philippines, Canada, USA, etc.

OPENING CEREMONY

AND INAUGURAL

INTRODUCTION OF CHIEF GUEST

Mr. Vivek Trivedi introduced the Chief Guest Dr. Rajan M. Welukar as an

Educationist, Author, Motivational Speaker and a Philosopher. He has served at

various key positions of National and Global importance in the past ranging

from Deputy Secretary Education to Governor of Maharashtra, Senior Program

Officer with Commonwealth Youth Program at Asia's Regional Center

Commonwealth Secretariat, UK as well as three times Vice Chancellor in

prominent Universities in the Country including 165 years old Mumbai University

which was founded in year 1857.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY CHIEF GUEST

Prof. (Dr.) Rajan M. Welukar in his inaugural address expressed sincere gratitude to the organising team

for inviting him as a Chief Guest of APSWDP UN75 Dialogue, Series-I: What Future We Want.

He started his dialogue with two words - Growth and Development, both are important in our life,

whereas he expressed to focus more on development, when given an option between the two.

This is a very important year in the global history, where every country is observing some positive and

negative instances. It is the time to pause and go back to 75 years when the entire world witnessed two

crucial nuclear holocaust - Bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 06th August and 09th August, the whole

world was moved and then the Second World War stopped. Global leaders felt and introspected among

themselves for restoring global peace and harmony thereby establishing the United Nations on 24th

October, 1945.

He said that this year we are celebrating 75th Anniversary of both historic events - nuclear bombing in

Japan which catalyzed the evolution of the United Nations to bring all the countries across the world in

working collectively for establishing faith in democracy, bringing humanitarian concern on the global

platform and developing partnerships in the global development. He stated that “I call the year 2020 as

the Zeroth Year and the year 1945 which was also regarded as zeroth year by the people at that time.

Dr. Rajan M. Welukar has also authored various books and very recently he authored Gandhi@150, a book

published in 2019. He further added that Dr. Welukar is a personality which is an inspiration to young

professionals in the country and followed by a majority in the country as well. While adding to the

discussion, he also mentioned that being an intern in the commonwealth program, he himself has been

following Dr. Welukar since 2004.

OPENING CEREMONY

AND INAUGURAL


Prof. (Dr.) Welukar inspired and beckoned all the participants to start afresh, move towards humanity,

work towards equality and equity; which were the foremost principle in the mind of global leaders while

drafting the United Nations Charter in 1945. As we call it the zeroth year now, it is the time to re-think

on the part of good and bad effects we have carried for the humanity, entire planet and ecosystem.

Through this event/ dialogue we need to introspect ourselves where have we gone wrong and make

corrective actions. If we understand and integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) to every aspect

of life, government, business, and education; we’ll be in a better position to see transformation in the

years to come.

He further added that he always love to share one thought which is important for all - "Change is

mandatory, It is going to happen, survival is an option”. If we think we need to survive, then COVID-19

pandemic is adding to another zeroth year in our life and let us start after introspecting ourselves where

we have gone wrong in the last 75 years. Let us start again by understanding the definition of

development that we have misunderstood. We always thought that growth is development, but there is a

difference between growth and development. Development is related to the ecosystem and humanity.

Whereas growth in other words can also mean that you might have earned a lot of money and physical

possessions, but still feel unhappy. Therefore, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) need to be

integrated in our life by way of adapting Education for Sustainable Development.

OPENING CEREMONY

AND INAUGURAL


Prof. (Dr.) Welukar emphasized that changes are not linear and therefore the movement APSWDP has

started should be accelerated with education of the individuals aligned with SDG’s. Jai Krishnamurthy,

the great philosopher says that there are two worlds, one world is the physical world where we are living

i.e. computer, technology, gadgets, house, car, etc. and the second is a psychological world. There is an

imbalance created between the physical and psychological world. Due to more focus on physical world we

have created an imbalance. The moment imbalance is created, the disturbances are bound to come and

because of these disturbances, we are unhappy even after attaining growth. We need to balance both.

Going further, the world now has to concentrate on developing self and society and the movement

APSWDP has started is for society. The social change which Mr. Vivek Trivedi, Founder APSWDP is trying to

bring will go a long way in contributing to attaining global goals in making a better and peaceful world.

We need to understand what co-existence is and align with SDG’s to improve our Adjustment Quotient,

the only we'll be able to find some solutions.

Before concluding his inaugural address and dialogue he said that “I must complement each one of you

working in social and development sector”. It is the time to create pressure on the policy makers to

transform the world, not only the nation. COVID-19 is giving us an opportunity to develop a future

roadmap with altruistic thinking. Like COVID-19 is spreading across the world, let us spread a message to

work towards humanity, co-existence and create a conducive ecosystem which will take care of mother

earth and humanity. Once again he expressed his thanks to Mr. Vivek Trivedi and his team for giving him

an opportunity to meet the people across the world virtually. At the same time, he expressed special

thanks to all who are listening and hearing to him. He conveyed his best wishes to all.

VIRTUAL

DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

PANEL ISTS WELCOME

Mr. Hitesh Kumar Gulati, Director (Hon.) – Policy and Administration and the Moderator of Association of

Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP) Virtual Dialogue Series I on UN75

2020 and Beyond Shaping Our Future welcomed all the seven (7) eminent panelists from India,

Switzerland, Thailand and Romania, who shared their dialogues on various areas ranging from climate

crisis, health issues, digital divide, gender inequality, population burst, rising conflicts and violence, etc.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

PANEL IST INTRODUCTION

Dr. Sandeep Meharwal is a global development expert in pubic health

having more than 14 years of experience in teaching, capacity building &

training. He is Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from one of the premier

institution PGIMER, Chandigarh. He has worked as Assistant Professor in

American Medical University in Caribbean, public health expert in Vietnam,

Indonesia, Thailand. Presently, he is Regional Advisor Diagnostic - Asia

Pacific in FHI.

DIALOGUE BY DR. SANDEEP MEHARWAL

INVESTING IN HEALTH FOR AN EQUITABLE FUTURE

The first session was presided over by Dr. Sandeep Maherwal who started the dialogue with a question,

"Are we investing enough in the health sector"? While reasoning the question, he focused that during the

times of COVID-19 everyone have attained an expertise in health after glancing as to what has happened

around the world and how the COVID-19 has collapsed the world system. He pointed out that every

country has suffered in managing this pandemic and even the best of the countries with good health

systems were not ready to cope up with this emergency situation. He gave examples of Spain, USA and

many other countries that struggled.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE BY DR. SANDEEP MEHARWAL

INVESTING IN HEALTH FOR AN EQUITABLE FUTURE

Dr. Meharwal had a mention regarding the out of pocket expenses and that we cannot invest enough in

the health sector. He narrated that India spends 62 percent on health with other developing countries

ranging from 40-70 percent of their total spending. According to him, it is an attitudinal problem that

brings negligence into the system. However, he clarified that countries like the USA that spend huge on

health were not fully prepared to cope up with the emergency situation.

In his words he pointed out the major reason for suffering which was majorly underfunding of the health

system as it has reduced the preparedness readiness towards facing the pandemic situation. Secondly,

while people were falling ill, OPDs were keeping full & all the doctors, paramedics were over occupied up

to an extent that no further admission was made possible. It raises another question of whether every

health problem requires physical meeting with the doctor or can it be resolved by remotely interaction.

Thirdly, the emergency services were not accessible and affordable for everyone in need. Here, another

question arises that in case if similar problems reoccur, how will we deal with it in future?

Dr. Meharwal provided his valuable suggestions to the United Nations for re-writing medical care

guidelines depicting the difference between home care and hospital care. He referred to the concept of

Tele-Medicine which can be given to the patients remotely. It will not only release tremendous burden on

health care facilities but increase the efficiency level of the hospital's staff and betterment in the clinical

care of the patients. It will also encourage the use of health care workers more efficiently. While giving

the example of China, he mentioned that hospitals can be prepared in one week's time frame but

preparing a doctor overnight is not possible. Equipment and ventilators can be purchased but a highly

skilful trained workforce will be required in order to operate these tools and machines. Therefore, in

order to make the system more efficient, the medical care guidelines are essentially required to be re-

written with distinction between home care and hospital care.

He added that a large number of trained doctors and workforce was not utilized during this pandemic

situation as the private sector was not fully engaged where all the specialties are readily available. It

clearly indicates that guidelines should also have a mention as to how we can engage the private sector to

make sure that health care is accessible and affordable to everyone. Lastly, he mentioned that UNDP

keeps pushing the countries for universal health insurance. He emphasized on it and quoted another

example of families that have one critical medical case which takes away the entire saving of the family.

This should not happen and in order to make the process more resilient, the United Nations may come up

with such medical care guidelines in future.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION


Ms. Dea Andrea Wehrli is an Environmentalist from Switzerland. She is a

Waste & Recycling Management Expert and has worked with prestigious and

pioneer institutions including UN Environment at Osaka Japan & World

Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland. Presently, she is working as Project

Manager at EMPA, Switzerland and has recently started her Social Impact

Startup E(co) Work in Switzerland & India.

DIALOGUE BY MS. DEA ANDREA WEHRLI

ENVISIONING ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Initiating the dialogue on Envisioning Environment and Sustainable Development, Dea Andrea envisions

three pillars namely society, environment and economy in relation to the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDG’s).

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE BY MS. DEA ANDREA WEHRLI

ENVISIONING ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

She first talked about the meaning of Sustainable Development in relation to the Society. SDG for Society

means how do we live together, how do we create a world where we have equal opportunities, where we

all have access to education, where we have inclusive opportunities and not leave someone out. Keeping

yourself healthy, access to good food habits and mental health is also one of the prime factors in

Sustainable Development of Society.

Ms. Dea then shared her thoughts about the second pillar – Sustainable Development for Environment. It

is the atmosphere/ surroundings we all live in. So it is very crucial that we protect the environment

because without it we cannot survive. Climate Change is a vast area that needs to be addressed.

Specifically talking about pollution, she advised us to pay attention to optimum utilization of resources by

following the principles of Refuse, Reduce and Recycle.

She further talked about role of Economy in Sustainable Development. It is important to focus on local

markets to ensure the money circulates local. It further creates jobs and we can understand a product

better if we buy from the local market, as it also gives us an opportunity to see where and how it is

produced. This enables to create more resilient economic system and it is easier to recover economy in

case of slow financial growth, as we all have witnessed it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Dea strongly advocates to and promotes the thinking of Creating Solidarity with each other and

respecting everyone as different and unique. At the end she motivates all of us to come together and

make this world a better place to live.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION


Mr. Bhavesh Swami is a Clean Energy Policy and engagement Specialist

with The Climate Reality India, a think tank started by Noble Laureate Al

Gore, Former Vice President USA. His work includes working with central,

state and other civic authorities on climate change action. To his

remarkable work, he has executed plantation of One million fruit trees in

Fani affected areas at Puri, Orrisa; another million is in the pipeline. Water

stewardship is also part of his core work; has helped turn pockets in Beed

and Pune water positive.

DIALOGUE BY MR. BHAVESH SWAMI

THE CLIMATE CRISIS – A RACE WE CAN WIN

Mr. Bhavesh Swami shared his deliberation on The Climate Crisis – A Race We Can Win. He stated that

though we have been attending many webinars in this year but what all matter at the end is what

learning we are taking up at the end to our homes at the end of the day. And what has shaped the vision

of oneself for better future and climate change conversation. This is essentially a break decade adding to

water conservation and climate change is concerned.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE BY MR. BHAVESH SWAMI

THE CLIMATE CRISIS – A RACE WE CAN WIN

He added that Greta Thunberg sensitized the whole Europe on climate change by setting an example that

you can’t sit around waiting for hope to come, acting like unaware humans will not provide solutions, and

instead one has to earn hope by actions. It’s an action that matters and it is the action that is going to

bring hope to us. But from where this hope comes? Hope comes through these small actions on climate:

• Someone is restoring coral leaves in New Zealand;

• Someone is doing plantation in Indonesia;

• We are planting native fruits in Fani and Amphan effected areas so it brings hope back and they grow

faster;

• Farmers are putting their efforts in terms of nurturing them because they see an income coming out of

it in another 3 years;

• Devender Sura in Haryana, India is working for mass plantations of trees particularly Triveni.

Mr. Swami emphasized that at least every month we should reconnect within our local vicinity at least

once to know how much practical efforts have been put in the area of Climate Change Mitigation. He

referred to an example of Madhya Pradesh now being having the World’s Biggest Solar Plant. Earlier it was

in Pavagada, Karnataka, and the best part is they have grid structure that produces almost equivalent

power to thermal based power plant. Now this brings hope as the organisations are continuously evolving

their practices on harnessing natural resources widely available in the country, most prominently Solar,

which is inspiring others to replicate such best practices and raise its scalability. Organizations are doing

their part. What at the end matters is what you and me are doing or have done so far for protecting the

climate?

He further shared that People are hopeful “CO2 Sequencing Technology” will bring augmentation in

climate change. Being an expensive technology, it’s not scalable so we should look forward to bring hope

for more affordable technology. On the other side, LED’s was expensive 5 years ago and now it’s light of

the town with much cost effective and energy efficient solutions.

Another climate change key shared during his dialogue was awareness conversation, which is going deeper

on an engagement as well as knowledge front. Now is the time for practical engagement and Action.

People from North India are coming up with the solutions like “Unnat Chulahas” “Madhaani” Solar based

churning, cookers and approach Rural Population for more sustainable solutions. In the end, he stated

that let’s put individual efforts to make it worth on a global level.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION


Ms. Anupriya Singh is a Humanitarian and Development Professional and

have Masters degree in the field of Education and Disaster Management. She

has expertise in Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Preparedness &

Response and has worked with UN agencies including South South and

Regional Cooperation as a consultant at United Nations Economic and Social

Commission for Asia and Pacific (UNESCAP), Bangkok, Thailand and in Iran.

DIALOGUE BY MS. ANUPRIYA S INGH

WOMEN AND GIRLS – CLOSING THE GENDER GAP

Ms. Anupriya Singh in her dialogue emphasized that we have spent decades talking about the importance

of gender equality & closing the gender gap and while we talk the situation of women and girls in many

countries are at risk of further deterioration and recent COVID-19 pandemic has added more to the

existing vulnerabilities and has resulted in widening the gender gap. Equality between women and men

was the core objective enshrined in the UN charter way back in 1945. But yet, 75 years later women and

men are still living in a world of widespread gender inequality. Turning this around is a priority of the UN

in 2020, as we marked the 5th anniversary of the SDG’s.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE BY MS. ANUPRIYA S INGH

WOMEN AND GIRLS – CLOSING THE GENDER GAP

She stated that gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls is a goal itself. Ultimately

development will only be sustainable if it benefits equally to everyone including women, men and others.

This is a decade of action (2020-2030). The world has a decade left to turn this promise of gender equality

into actions.

Ms. Anupriya cited that long back we used to think the access to opportunities like education was the

door through which women would enter the world on an equal footing to men. Experience showed us –

that access to opportunities alone is not enough, we also need to dismantle the stereotypes which limits

the social and professional realities of girls and boys (and ultimately men and women). When the formal

obstacles are largely gone, the visibility of women is on its rise- the opportunities we say with confidence

are there, but we remain a long way from achieving equality of outcomes- at home, in education, in

public sphere, or at work. There is an enormous gap between girls and women’s capabilities and

expectations on one hand – the social, professional and political representation on the other.

She further shared that it is this gap, that we must bridge and the picture so far we have understandably

painted in terms of a problem or inequality has to be addressed for gender equality. The miles ahead

require us to expand our horizon towards scaling up the opportunities to achieve gender equality. Scaling

up gender equality interventions require adaptation of good practices to fit the gender context in policy

and planning.

Scaling up requires:

• Share the care.

• Reject the binary – its humankind not mankind.

• Demand an equal work culture – is everyone’s responsibility.

• Exercise your political rights- according to world economic forum (national parliament accounts for

less than 7% of the world’s women leadership).

• Teach everyone (girls/boys/others) their worth.

• Respect the choices of others.

In the end Ms. Anupriya Singh concluded by stating – “Let’s stand up, hold each other’s hands and open

the door and window for gender equality for all”.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION


Mr. Ravi Prakash Solanki is M. Phil IT, a Development Sector Expert in

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and MIS/GIS systems for

more than 10 years at national level. He has worked in various ministries

including housing and urban affairs and health and family welfare as

consultant and played a key role in designing monitoring and evaluation

programmes, MIS systems, DBT linkages etc. He is an alumnus of

International Urban Training Center, Republic of Korea & UN-Habitat.

DIALOGUE BY MR. RAVI SOLANKI

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Mr. Ravi Solanki’s dialogue started with an emphasis on how technology can play a pivotal role in

achieving all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He indicated that this is the right time to

respond and urged the young spirants to take the torch of enlightenment with the policy makers and

every one to respond on a positive note. Everything is today revolving around data but it is unsure what to

do with all this data. Around 500% of data is available on various data platforms but no planning work has

been done to utilize and secure this data without any policy. Two important aspects of this generation is

Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE BY MR. RAVI SOLANKI

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

He further shared that data analytics can be used in Banks, financial literacy and preventing frauds.

Deploying technology phase wise in different regions and learning from their effectiveness can help us

further leverage the optimum utilization of resources. Virtual Learning through various online tools in this

COVID-19 crisis has made us realize that capacity building of every individual for harnessing technology is

crucial now, irrespective of urban and rural areas. Association with social platforms is a must in a

technology era like today to have social algorithm and deliver learning to each other so that digital divide

between the countries can be reduced. By Social Media we should harness its power to reach out to

maximum masses.

In the end, Mr. Ravi Solanki shared that the future of technology should reduce digital divide within the

countries, bring in uniformity in nations on data strategy and exchange of data between the nations to

develop a united world with harmony.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION


Mx. Kajal Mangalmukhi is a transgender right activist in the north India

and fought for many years for the rights of transgender community. Mx.

Kajal is instrumental in introducing third gender in the educational

institutions, offices for admissions and services. She is a role model and a

social worker and have inspired many transgender in the northern India for

taking up basic and higher education with funding for global exposure too.

Mx. Kajal is working and mobilizing support for a separate commission for

transgender at par with other social commissions.

DIALOGUE BY MX. KAJAL MANGALMUKHI

INEQUALITY – BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

Mx Kajal Mangalmukhi initiated her dialogue by sharing that the struggle of transgender starts since

childhood itself due to non-acceptance within the society and difference in gender identity, which has

eventually resulted in pushing them to take begging for survival in most of the cases.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE BY MX. KAJAL MANGALMUKHI

INEQUALITY – BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

Mx. Kajal cited that psychologically the brains of transgender works as any other normal human support

and acceptance from society for education for transgender should persist more openly. A petition was

also filed by her for equal rights and job opportunities in Punjab and Haryana High Court and in 2014

Government introduced other category in their support.

Mx Kajal Mangalmukhi is supporting many other transgender in their education for further helping them in

securing jobs and even in the cases of self-employment. Mx Kajal expressed gratitude for Mr. Vivek

Trivedi’s support and co-operation in helping their community in getting license for street vendors, which

has eventually motivated the transgender to regain their self-esteem and facilitated in self-employment.

Mx Kajal ended her dialogue with a request to the society to rethink that equality for transgender with

other genders should be there; transgender should also represent the society in the main stream. She

lastly quoted “Transgender is also as natural as other genders, so this discrimination needs to stop”.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION


Ms. Antonia Colibasanu is Doctor of Philosophy in International business

and economics from Bucharest’s Academy of Economic Studies. She is an

alumna of the International Institute on Politics and Economics, Georgetown

University. At present, she is full time lecturer in of the National University

for Political Studies and Public Administration, lecturing on geo-politics,

geo-economics and economic diplomacy. She is Author and Speaker on

international economics and security topics and was youth action partner in

Oxfam International Youth Parliament 2004, Sydney.

DIALOGUE BY MS. ANTONIA COL IBASANU

A NEW ERA OF CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE

Ms. Antonia Colibasanu started her dialogue with a question for the participants to think: “What is the

role of national as well as state when we are going through a crisis like COVID-19 pandemic”.

VIRTUAL DIALOGUE/

PANEL DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE BY MS. ANTONIA COL IBASANU

A NEW ERA OF CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE

She further added that a change in the mindset of people is coming up knowing how vulnerable we are to

Health, Sanitary System and Financial Infrastructure. And how these critical infrastructure has been

divided in equitability globally. Conflicts can be a part of this in equal resource distribution as access to

the opportunities is limited.

As it is quoted that every problem brings an opportunity, this pandemic has also bought a clearer picture

in front of us in terms of the difference between the communities and these differences are going to

shape up policy making in order to see the world we want to see. She is foreseeing the world in peace in

next 25 years, investing much in education sector. Individuals are the most valuable asset that any county

has it means that one should first take care of himself thinking himself as the valuable resource to the

community he resides in.

She concluded her dialogue with intent to work on the kind of people we want to have in our society, to

further transform the crisis into an opportunity and that is the biggest geopolitical challenge and that will

shape the path of violence.

PARTICIPATION

AND

ANALYSIS

PARTICIPATION

AND ANALYSIS

COUNTRYWISE PARTICPATION

156 participants including panel experts across the globe from India, Thailand, Romania, Switzerland,

Philippines, Canada and USA participated in the APSWDP Virtual Dialogue, Series-I.

Education Count

Post Graduate or Higher 120

Graduate 28

Higher Secondary/ Class XII 5

Senior Secondary/ Class X 2

Primary/ Class I - V 1

Grand Total 156

EDUCATION PROFILE OF PARTIC IPANTS

Gender Count

Women 67

Transgender 3

Men 86

Grand Total 156

GENDER RATIO

PARTICIPATION

AND ANALYSIS

AGE-GROUP PARTICPATION

Age-Group (in years) Count

15 or younger 3

16 – 30 66

31 - 45 75

46 – 60 10

61 and above 2

Grand Total 156

PROFESS ION/ OCCUPATION PARTICPATION


Student 49

Teaching 18

Government 11

Public Health 8

Social Work & Development 7

NGO 7

Program/ Project Management 6

Corporate Sector 6

Consultant 5

Research 5

Medical Social Worker 5

Environment Specialist 4

Psychiatric Social Worker 5

Lawyer 3


CSR 3

Business Consulting 2

ICT 2

Psychologist 1

Clinical Social Work 1

Social Activist 1

Urban Consulting 1

Special Educator 1

Civil Servant 1

Banking 1

Activist 1

Self Employed 1

Education 1

Grand Total 156

PARTICIPATION

AND ANALYSIS

PROFESS ION/ OCCUPATION PARTICPATION

VALEDICTORY

SESSION

VALEDICTORY

SESSION

VOTE OF THANKS

Dr. Sumit Arora, Director (Hon.) – Capacity Building, Research & Projects, APSWDP and Dr. Vishal

Dhiman, Member APSWDP jointly proposed the Vote of Thanks. Dr. Sumit Arora and Dr. Vishal Dhiman on

behalf of APSWDP congratulated and extended their deepest gratitude to Prof (Dr) Rajan M Welukar,

Former Vice Chancellor, Mumbai University for accepting our request to be the Chief Guest for this first

ever Virtual Dialogue on UN75 2020 and Beyond Shaping Our Future Together, Series I hosted by

Association of Professional Social Worker and Development Practitioners (APSWDP). Dr. Welukar has been

a great source of inspiration for the entire fraternity. His words of wisdom have a great tendency to

inspire the youth and individuals from all walks of life. He is a guiding force for all of us to work more for

the nation building.

Dr. Sumit further extended heartiest thanks to the distinguished panelists who consented to be a part of

the event. As a matter of fact, few were invited at the eleventh hour and for which we feel privileged.

We are grateful to Dr. Sandeep Maherwal, Ms. Dea Andrea Wehrli, Mr. Bhavesh Swami, Mr. Ravi Solanki,

Mx. Kajal Mangalmukhi, Ms. Anupriya Singh, and Ms. Antonia Colibasanu for sharing their wonderful insight

over the diverse issues.

VALEDICTORY

SESSION

VOTE OF THANKS

He further added that any great event cannot be a success without a great team & a team without a great

leader & for which he put forth his sincere thanks to Mr. Vivek Trivedi, Founder APSWDP for leading us to

the right direction. Vivek’s continuous endeavours in team building have shown us great dimensions,

especially in the field of social work profession. As one has rightly said, when the leader is strong, team

becomes the strongest. This is the quality of a true leader.

Behind the success of this remarkable event, a team of dedicated members have worked hard in putting

forth all the possible efforts in leaving no stone unturned. Our team comprising Mr. Hitesh Kumar Gulati,

Mr. Rajeev Kumar Choudhary, Mr. Balbir Singh, & Mr. Rajeev Kumar has worked relentlessly for the

dialogue.

To quote the Irish author James Joyce, Better pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some

passion, than fade and wither dismally with age. Dr. Sumit believes we as APSWDP family have

exemplified this statement. Through these past years, we all have discovered & devoted ourselves to our

passion and grown immensely as a result. In our midst, we have grown under the mentorship of our

eminent members hailing from such a diverse background. Our family now constitutes the senior

bureaucrats from Administrative services, senior eminent professors, medical scientists, social scientists,

professional social workers, development practitioners, entrepreneurs, consultants from bilateral &

multilateral agencies, activities & students.

Dr. Sumit shared to the august gathering that the association will be organising similar virtual dialogues

from August to October 2020 till the commemoration of UN75th Anniversary i.e. 24th October 2020, on

each seven themes discussed today in a specialised manner.

He expressed his special gratitude to everyone for showing their keen interest in this event without which

none of us would have come this far.

GROUP

PHOTOGRAPH

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE

MINUTE-TO-MINUTE PROGRAM

ANNEXURE

e-FEEDBACK AND ANALYS IS

Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP)

(Regd.) Chandigarh, INDIA

An Association in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (UN ECOSOC)

Affiliated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC)

Affiliated with NITI Aayog (Former Planning Commission of India)

E:Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.apswdp.org

Facebook: @apswdp

Twitter: @apswdp_india

Linkedin: apswdp-india

Youtube: APSWDP Chandigarh

UN marks 75-year milestone anniversary of founding Charter

UN Photo

The UN Charter being signed by a delegation at a ceremony held at the Veterans’ War Memorial

Building on 26 June 1945.

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